So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new.
This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus.
Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness".
The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1.
All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy.
And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns)
There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.
Wait there I'll find my shotgun shells
And aim to blow your top off the pedestal
You're asking me to climb down from my treehouse
And dance
Upon the smallest limb
You're asking me to jump and shout and shake
Myself to the ground
I fall upon my head I never seem to get
These feet beneath my legs to land up like a cat
Who's taken back his lives for ones not going right
I never was the good
I don't want to dance no more
You were never worth the fall
And aim to blow your top off the pedestal
You're asking me to climb down from my treehouse
And dance
Upon the smallest limb
You're asking me to jump and shout and shake
Myself to the ground
I fall upon my head I never seem to get
These feet beneath my legs to land up like a cat
Who's taken back his lives for ones not going right
I never was the good
I don't want to dance no more
You were never worth the fall
Lyrics submitted by Belle-and-Eric-Hajdu
Off the Pedestal Lyrics as written by Ricky Brennan Brenden Harney
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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No comments? I love this song! It's like politely saying 'go f@*k yourself' to someone who once meant a lot to you.